Police successfully recaptured a male inmate who escaped from Sri Aman Central Prison less than 12 hours after the incident, thanks to swift action by security forces and assistance from the public.
Sri Aman District Police Chief Supt Dennis Bunyam said the escape occurred around 7.15am when inmate John Sambang Sangau, 39, slipped away from prison supervision.
Upon receiving the report, police immediately launched an operation, deploying personnel and assets throughout the Sri Aman area, including village roads, plantations and nearby settlements.
Acting on information provided by members of the public, the operation team located the suspect at approximately 6.20pm in an unfinished vacant house along Jalan Brayun, about two kilometres from the prison. He was arrested without incident.
The unfinished building is believed to have been used as a temporary hiding spot.
“The Royal Malaysia Police express our deepest appreciation to the public for the valuable information provided, and to the security teams whose commitment allowed for the swift rearrest,” Supt Dennis said in a statement.
Police are now investigating how the inmate managed to escape and whether others were involved. The case is being investigated under Sections 223/224 of the Penal Code, and authorities will seek a remand order to assist further enquiries.
Dennis reaffirmed police commitment to maintaining public safety and urged the community to continue reporting any suspicious activity.
